The Israeli army is currently conducting a major military operation in the Zeitoun area of Gaza City. The week-long operation is said to have caused heavy casualties, but rescue teams are unable to reach the victims due to continuous attacks and lack of equipment.
What you should know
Gaza's civil defense department said at least 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling on Sunday. According to spokesman Mahmoud Bassal, seven people were killed in a drone attack on a hospital complex in Gaza City. The dead were reportedly members of Hamas, who were in charge of food distribution and security.
4 more people were killed in an attack on a tent where displaced people live in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza. Likewise, six people were killed in southern Gaza by Israeli army fire near an aid distribution center, spokesman Bassal said. In central Gaza, a person was also killed while trying to get help.
The Israeli army is currently conducting a major military operation in the Zaitoun area of Gaza City. Although it is said that this operation for a week has caused a huge loss of life, the rescue teams are unable to reach the victims due to continuous attacks and lack of resources.
UN-backed experts have warned of a severe food crisis and famine in Gaza. The problem is exacerbated by Israel's tightening of humanitarian aid supplies. Meanwhile, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced that new preparations have begun to move civilians from Gaza City to safe areas. But Hamas opposes it, calling it a plan to occupy Gaza City.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,219 Israelis and taking some hostages, so far more than 61,897 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza's health ministry. The United Nations has also considered this data reliable.
The Civil Defense Agency of Gaza has reported that at least 40 people were killed in an Israeli attack on Saturday. The incident is seen as a sign of a major attack ahead of the Israeli army's planned takeover of Gaza City.
Israel decided to occupy Gaza City only a week ago, when the 22-month-long war is causing a serious humanitarian crisis. Hamas has strongly opposed this move, calling it "part of a brutal plan to occupy Gaza City".
According to Gaza Civil Defense Spokesman Bassal, the Jitoon area of Gaza City is in a very bad condition. He said that there are about 50,000 locals and many of them are deprived of food, water and other basic needs.
In recent days, residents of the residential areas of Gaza City have reported continuous airstrikes. The Israeli army claims that its actions are in accordance with international law and is committed to reducing civilian casualties.
A local resident says, "We have no sleep experience. The explosions and bombings will never stop. UN-backed experts have warned that the region is at risk of a major famine as Israel cuts humanitarian aid. On Saturday alone, 13 Palestinians were killed as they lined up to receive food when the army opened fire near an aid distribution site in Gaza.
On Sunday, the Israeli army attacked a power plant near the capital Sana'a, targeting the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The attack was interpreted by Israel as a response to missiles and drones launched by the Houthis into its territory.
Demonstration in Israel demanding a ceasefire and release of hostages
Jerusalem: A strike has been held in Israel on Sunday with a demonstration demanding the release of those held hostage by Hamas fighters in Gaza. Traffic was disrupted due to the strike and many businesses and offices were closed.
A few weeks ago, the militants released a video of the hostages and Israel signaled a new attack.
Demonstrators are concerned that Israel's military operation to take control of Gaza could further endanger the lives of 50 people already held hostage by Hamas. Only about 20 of those hostages are believed to be alive. Among them is Bipin Joshi, who went to Israel from Nepal to study agriculture. At this time, his sister and mother are in Israel demanding the release of Vipin.
"We cannot win the war over the bodies of the hostages," the protestors have demanded a ceasefire agreement. The protest was organized by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. Although the international pressure against the Israeli government is intense due to the decision last week to take full control of Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not backed down from action. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has criticized the strike as a "harmful campaign". He argued that such demonstrations would, on the contrary, benefit Hamas and weaken Israel to its enemies.
